Ottoman vs standard kids beds - What’s the difference?

It seems like a big job to pick the right bed for your child. When you go shopping, you'll see tons of beds, but two common types are ottoman beds and standard beds. So, what makes them different, and which one is best for your family?

An ottoman bed has a hidden trick: the top lifts up to show a huge storage area underneath. Imagine a giant toy box that your child sleeps on! A standard bed is just what it sounds like—a regular bed with a mattress on a frame.

This decision is more important than you might think. The right bed can help keep your child's room neat and save you money by not needing more storage furniture. So, let’s understand these two options so you can make the best decision for your child's needs and your space.

What is a Standard Kids Bed?

A standard kids' bed is the classic bed most of us grew up with. It's simple: a mattress sits on top of a frame, and that's it. These beds are made in different sizes, from toddler beds to twin and full sizes for older kids. 

You'll also find variations, such as bunk beds for siblings who share a room, or loft beds that create play space underneath.Most regular beds have a space between the bed frame and the floor. This gap helps slide storage boxes underneath, but you'll usually need to buy those boxes separately. Some beds come with drawers already built into the sides, but the main idea is the same: your mattress is on top, and there's either space or storage underneath.

What is an Ottoman Kids Bed?

An ottoman kids' bed looks just like a normal bed, but it has a cool secret! The whole top part, including the mattress, lifts. Below, there's a large storage space, perfect for storing toys or extra bedding.

When bedtime comes, it's just a normal, comfortable bed. But when you need to store winter clothes, extra bedding, toys, or books, you simply lift the mattress (usually with the help of special springs or gas struts that make it easy), and you have a massive storage space.

The lifting mechanism does most of the work for you – you don't need to be super strong to open it. Most ottoman beds have safety features too, like soft-close hinges that prevent the bed from slamming shut or pinching little fingers.

Key Differences: Storage Solutions

When you're trying to keep your child's room tidy, storage is very important. The main difference between an ottoman bed and a standard bed is how they help you deal with all the toys, clothes, and special things kids gather. Let's look at what each type of bed offers.

Standard beds: Limited and scattered storage 
Most standard beds give you that empty space underneath, but it's not always practical. You'll need to buy separate storage boxes or bins, and they often slide around or collect dust.

Ottoman beds: One giant organised space 
An ottoman bed gives you a huge, contained storage area that's easy to access. Everything stays in one place, and you can see it all when you lift the mattress.

Storage capacity comparison 
A typical ottoman bed can hold about 3-4 times more than what you can fit under a standard bed with storage boxes. It's like having an extra closet built right into the bed.

Accessibility for children
With regular beds, it can be hard for kids to get to stuff stored underneath, especially things pushed to the back. But with an ottoman bed, kids (with a grown-up's help to lift it) can easily see and grab everything inside the storage space.

Space Efficiency Comparison

Room space is precious, especially in kids' bedrooms that need to fit a bed, desk, dresser, and play area. Let's see how ottoman beds and regular beds compare when you want to get the most space out of your room.

Same Bed, More Room

Even though both standard beds and ottoman beds take up the same amount of floor space, an ottoman bed changes what you can do with the rest of your room. Standard beds often require you to buy more furniture for storage, but ottoman beds take care of storage for you.

Using Space Smarter

Standard beds don't use the space under the mattress very well; it often ends up being wasted or messy. Ottoman beds, however, use every bit of that space from the floor right up to the mattress, giving you organised storage.

Better Room Layout

With a standard bed, you'll probably need extra furniture like a dresser or toy chest, which can make your room feel small and crowded. An ottoman bed can replace these extra pieces, leaving more open space for activities or just to make the room feel bigger.

Great for Small Bedrooms

For really tiny bedrooms, an ottoman bed is incredibly helpful. It means you might not need a separate dresser or toy storage.

Benefits for Bigger Rooms Too

Even if you have a large bedroom, ottoman beds offer more flexibility. That extra floor space can be used for a cosy reading corner, a study area, or simply more room for friends to play without bumping into furniture.

Safety Considerations

When picking your kid’s bed, the important thing. Both ottoman beds and regular beds have different safety features and things to consider that every parent should be aware of.

Safety Features

Modern ottoman beds are made with safety in mind. They have ‘soft-close’ mechanisms, which means the bed won't suddenly slam shut. Most also include finger guards and special hinges to protect little fingers from getting caught when the bed closes.

Weight Limits and Strength

Ottoman beds are usually firm because of how they're built to lift. They can often safely hold between 200 and 300 pounds. Regular beds vary a lot, but simpler frames, especially bunk beds, might not support as much weight.

Who Should Use Them?

Regular beds are fine for anyone of any age. However, ottoman beds are generally best for children aged 3 and older. This is because kids need to be old enough to understand not to play with the lifting parts. Toddlers, for example, might be too curious about the moving sections.

You may also like to read: A guide to kids' double beds - Everything you need to know

Final Thoughts

The choice between an ottoman and standard kids bed comes down to your priorities. Ottoman beds are great for families who need lots of storage but don't have much room. They cost a bit more, but you get a huge storage space built right in. Standard beds are better if you want something more affordable and flexible. You can add storage later if needed, such as drawers or boxes under the bed. No matter what you pick, make sure the bed is right for your child's age, fits well in their room, and works with your family's daily life.